Jack Linkletter interviews Steve McQueen on the set of "The Great Escape" in Munich, Germany.
NOTE: A POSITIVE 35MM positve print Kinescope does exist at UCLA FILM & TV ARCHIVE. However, the Negative SOUND TRACK of this broadcast has been lost, allowing for only screening this footage silently.
The soundtrack recorded off the air at the time of the original August 7 1962 NBC broadcast was recorded on 1/4" audio tape, direct line, by Phil Gries (Archival Television Audio Inc.) It is the only extant audio known to exist in the world. Audio from ATA has been transacted to production companies over the years for inclusion in different television documentaries about Steve McQueen, including "A&E Biography of Steve McQueen," " I am Steve McQueen," and "Steve McQueen: Life inThe Fast Lane."
The sound track synced to the surviving kinescope produced for the first time in half-century a picture and sound archived rare television interview with Steve McQueen, discussing many subjects including his private life, one of the very few he ever permitted.
Here's Hollywood was a series which featured celebrity interviews, and Steve consented to a rare interview appearance on one of
its episodes. Series host Jack Linkletter traveled to Germany in 1962 to interview Steve on the set of The Great Escape.
Jack reminisces with McQueen Online exclusively about the experiences he shared with Steve.
Jack Linkletter:
I lived a few blocks from Steve and, while seeing him seldom, we did visit...shared an enthusiasm for motorcycles...for which he was responsible.
I flew to Munich during my Here's Hollywood show to do interviews with Steve and the cast while they were making The Great Escape. On a free night, Steve got a hold of three Harley's for him, me and Jim Garner to go to Obermensing for a folk festival. Neither Garner nor I had many cycle hours and the narrow streets, humped in the middle and made of cobble stones would have been scary enough, but then to have cars flying by within inches, made Garner and I think it was our last trip anywhere.
We got to the folk fest...lots of carny offerings...throw balls in holes, ride bumper cars, etc. From a big tent, we heard classical oompa music and that is where we headed. Picnic type tables, the local community..many in leather pants, the band and lots of beer. Steve and Jim were recognized immediately and room was made at a table with a policeman, a dairyman, etc. While we didn't know German, pretty soon we are singing along as if we knew the words. The crowd got Steve standing on the table singing the chorus of whatever....everyone loved it.
Going home in a light rain was horrible.
Jack Linkletter
Host of HERE'S HOLLYWOOD